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Lost in Dramaland
The Manipulators: Sizzling Chemistry between walking red flag ML & walking red Flag FL
Subjective Gut Rating - 8.75
After finishing “Scent of Time” not too long ago, I was worried that I might find this drama repetitive. Both dramas have a similar premise of being given the chance to go back in time to correct past mistakes. “Scent of Time” focuses on family relationships more, and this one focuses on revenge and politics more. I like both dramas but like “Story of Kunning Palace” a little better overall.
What I Like:
1. Pacing - I am pleasantly surprised that I am kept entertained throughout the 38 episodes. I did not lose my focus or feel that the drama dragged in the middle episodes. In fact, there’s so much going on that I enjoy all the side plots and characters. It’s not perfect, as I want more episodes of the romance between Jiang Xue Ning (FL) and Zhang Zhe (2ML) in the present timeline, and less of the evil girl causing drama. Overall, I am quite satisfied.
2. Xie Wei (ML) and Zhang Ling He - I always love a good gray character, especially for the male character. After the success of Dylan Wang’s character in “Love Between Fairy and Devil”, I am happy to see another deliciously evil and cunning male lead. Oftentimes, he would be a second male lead. This is possibly Zhang Ling He’s best acting to date. This intriguing character provides ZLH an opportunity to showcase a side of him that we haven’t seen. He is so much better in this drama than in “My Journey to You”. Many fans (myself included) love seeing Xie Wei’s side-eyed glare, petty jealousy and cunning ruthlessness. Xie Wei is such a madman and I wish to see more characters like him in the future.
3. Acting - the overall acting of the cast is pretty good (but not exceptional) - both the younger and veteran cast. Bai Lu is Bai Lu. You know what to expect from her, though I wouldn’t say she exceeded my expectations. I just saw Wang Xing Yue in “Scent of Time” and felt that his acting is much improved and better here. Even though his character is quiet, he’s speaking with his eyes more. I want more of him.
4. Main Romance - Even though it took a very long while for us to see Jiang Xue Ning and Xie Wei’s romance to develop, it is worth it. They have so much chemistry together. I enjoy the development of their relationship from enemies to working together, then trusting each other and falling in love. Xie Wei is a walking red flag, and Jiang Xue Ning is not that much better deep inside of her. They really are a match made in heaven as they understand and accept each other’s strengths and flaws. The kisses are exploding with chemistry though not gentle or sweet (unless you watch the extra special). But no matter if they were in the past or present, scenes of them together are sizzling hot and you yearn to see them on the screen together more.
5. Sisterhood - I am pleasantly surprised at the relationship between the Zhang sisters. Oftentimes, we either see sisters hate or love each other. But true to the plot and because of the history between the two, their sisterhood develops organically and realistically. They are not forced to be super close.
6. No annoying character - sure there are villains and a girl here and there that are jealous of the female lead. But for the most part, they are not super annoying and are not frustrating to watch. I like many of the characters - the three male leads (all lovely in their own ways), the princess, the best friend, the guards, the sidekicks, and even those girls in the palace. No one really makes dumb decisions that make me want to shake some sense into them.
What I have Mixed Feelings About:
1. Jiang Xue Ning (FL) + Zhang Zhe (2ML) Romance - I was deeply moved by the flashback scenes of them together. Zhang Zhe’s internal struggle of doing the right thing vs. doing the wrong thing for the woman he loves. These flashback scenes are minimal, but they gave us such great emotions and just enough to tell us their story. However, their romance in the present time is not given enough opportunity to develop and move me as an audience. It’s such a waste as both Bai Lu and Wang Xing Yue also have great chemistry together. The way they steal glances, try to express their feelings through their eyes, but struggle internally - all could have contributed to a great romance and a big contrast to the main romance.
2. Xie Wei + Sidekicks/Guards - I would like to know the backstory between Xie Wei and his guards and friends. How did they all work together in support of Xie Wei? What else did they go through back in the day? Why are they following him and not the rebellious group?
3. Forced rom-com directing/editing - For a serious historical drama, we should never have so many forced romantic slow-motion scenes and music blasting to tell me how to feel. We have good actors who can convey feelings through their acting and subtle facial expressions, we don’t need these cheap and cheesy shots. I am also so irritated by the bright white backlighting that the director seems to like so much.
4. Dubbing - While I appreciate actors dubbing their own voices, not all are great at reading their lines yet. Bai Lu almost always dubs her own and does it well, and I think Zhang Ling He can learn from her. Some of his lines are spoken in monotone, or he screams and growls a little too overdramatically. Having said that, I am glad Bai Lu, Zhang Ling He and Wang Xing Yue all dubbed themselves. Unfortunately, most of the rest of the cast didn't.
5. Production Quality - “Story of Kunning Palace” does not seem to be a big budget production. The sets are on the small-to-medium scale. The costumes and accessories are average. As I said earlier, I don’t like the lighting and they did not use natural light. Bai Lu’s makeup is uneven and she could have been much more beautiful. I also dislike the use of BGM playing over the music instruments. The OST is OK. Compared to “My Journey to You”, this drama pales in comparison.
6. Fight Scenes - Except for the big fight in the last couple episodes, I am not impressed with the fight scenes. I feel that they are over dramatic and not enough good close-combat battle scenes. Since this is not a wuxia or xianxia drama, seeing someone being punched once and then fly over to the other side is quite hilariously unrealistic. Some guys got slashed multiple times and survived. Others die with one stab.
Overall, I had a fabulous time watching this drama. I enjoy the plot, the pace of the drama (though the ending is a tiny rushed), the development of the main leads’ relationship and romance, and of course the anti-hero male lead. It’s a good mix of romance, friendship and politics.
Completed: 11/27/2023 - Review #381
After finishing “Scent of Time” not too long ago, I was worried that I might find this drama repetitive. Both dramas have a similar premise of being given the chance to go back in time to correct past mistakes. “Scent of Time” focuses on family relationships more, and this one focuses on revenge and politics more. I like both dramas but like “Story of Kunning Palace” a little better overall.
What I Like:
1. Pacing - I am pleasantly surprised that I am kept entertained throughout the 38 episodes. I did not lose my focus or feel that the drama dragged in the middle episodes. In fact, there’s so much going on that I enjoy all the side plots and characters. It’s not perfect, as I want more episodes of the romance between Jiang Xue Ning (FL) and Zhang Zhe (2ML) in the present timeline, and less of the evil girl causing drama. Overall, I am quite satisfied.
2. Xie Wei (ML) and Zhang Ling He - I always love a good gray character, especially for the male character. After the success of Dylan Wang’s character in “Love Between Fairy and Devil”, I am happy to see another deliciously evil and cunning male lead. Oftentimes, he would be a second male lead. This is possibly Zhang Ling He’s best acting to date. This intriguing character provides ZLH an opportunity to showcase a side of him that we haven’t seen. He is so much better in this drama than in “My Journey to You”. Many fans (myself included) love seeing Xie Wei’s side-eyed glare, petty jealousy and cunning ruthlessness. Xie Wei is such a madman and I wish to see more characters like him in the future.
3. Acting - the overall acting of the cast is pretty good (but not exceptional) - both the younger and veteran cast. Bai Lu is Bai Lu. You know what to expect from her, though I wouldn’t say she exceeded my expectations. I just saw Wang Xing Yue in “Scent of Time” and felt that his acting is much improved and better here. Even though his character is quiet, he’s speaking with his eyes more. I want more of him.
4. Main Romance - Even though it took a very long while for us to see Jiang Xue Ning and Xie Wei’s romance to develop, it is worth it. They have so much chemistry together. I enjoy the development of their relationship from enemies to working together, then trusting each other and falling in love. Xie Wei is a walking red flag, and Jiang Xue Ning is not that much better deep inside of her. They really are a match made in heaven as they understand and accept each other’s strengths and flaws. The kisses are exploding with chemistry though not gentle or sweet (unless you watch the extra special). But no matter if they were in the past or present, scenes of them together are sizzling hot and you yearn to see them on the screen together more.
5. Sisterhood - I am pleasantly surprised at the relationship between the Zhang sisters. Oftentimes, we either see sisters hate or love each other. But true to the plot and because of the history between the two, their sisterhood develops organically and realistically. They are not forced to be super close.
6. No annoying character - sure there are villains and a girl here and there that are jealous of the female lead. But for the most part, they are not super annoying and are not frustrating to watch. I like many of the characters - the three male leads (all lovely in their own ways), the princess, the best friend, the guards, the sidekicks, and even those girls in the palace. No one really makes dumb decisions that make me want to shake some sense into them.
What I have Mixed Feelings About:
1. Jiang Xue Ning (FL) + Zhang Zhe (2ML) Romance - I was deeply moved by the flashback scenes of them together. Zhang Zhe’s internal struggle of doing the right thing vs. doing the wrong thing for the woman he loves. These flashback scenes are minimal, but they gave us such great emotions and just enough to tell us their story. However, their romance in the present time is not given enough opportunity to develop and move me as an audience. It’s such a waste as both Bai Lu and Wang Xing Yue also have great chemistry together. The way they steal glances, try to express their feelings through their eyes, but struggle internally - all could have contributed to a great romance and a big contrast to the main romance.
2. Xie Wei + Sidekicks/Guards - I would like to know the backstory between Xie Wei and his guards and friends. How did they all work together in support of Xie Wei? What else did they go through back in the day? Why are they following him and not the rebellious group?
3. Forced rom-com directing/editing - For a serious historical drama, we should never have so many forced romantic slow-motion scenes and music blasting to tell me how to feel. We have good actors who can convey feelings through their acting and subtle facial expressions, we don’t need these cheap and cheesy shots. I am also so irritated by the bright white backlighting that the director seems to like so much.
4. Dubbing - While I appreciate actors dubbing their own voices, not all are great at reading their lines yet. Bai Lu almost always dubs her own and does it well, and I think Zhang Ling He can learn from her. Some of his lines are spoken in monotone, or he screams and growls a little too overdramatically. Having said that, I am glad Bai Lu, Zhang Ling He and Wang Xing Yue all dubbed themselves. Unfortunately, most of the rest of the cast didn't.
5. Production Quality - “Story of Kunning Palace” does not seem to be a big budget production. The sets are on the small-to-medium scale. The costumes and accessories are average. As I said earlier, I don’t like the lighting and they did not use natural light. Bai Lu’s makeup is uneven and she could have been much more beautiful. I also dislike the use of BGM playing over the music instruments. The OST is OK. Compared to “My Journey to You”, this drama pales in comparison.
6. Fight Scenes - Except for the big fight in the last couple episodes, I am not impressed with the fight scenes. I feel that they are over dramatic and not enough good close-combat battle scenes. Since this is not a wuxia or xianxia drama, seeing someone being punched once and then fly over to the other side is quite hilariously unrealistic. Some guys got slashed multiple times and survived. Others die with one stab.
Overall, I had a fabulous time watching this drama. I enjoy the plot, the pace of the drama (though the ending is a tiny rushed), the development of the main leads’ relationship and romance, and of course the anti-hero male lead. It’s a good mix of romance, friendship and politics.
Completed: 11/27/2023 - Review #381
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